The application of spray foam is easy, but the removal is nearly impossible. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and mal-odors resulting from spray foam can absorb into nearby building materials and furnishings, allowing odors to permeate for years. Residual foam will remain embedded within the wood structures.
People concerned about the toxic off-gassing of spray foam have resorted to various methods of removal: dry ice blasting, soda blasting, physical cutting and even replacing the structure.The catastrophic financial loss from incorrectly-applied spray foam insulation only compounds the long-term health impacts from the toxic fumes. Further studies and protocol are required for the safe removal of toxic spray foam.
We recommend first having your home and areas impacted by spray foam tested for Formaldehyde, Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), Toluene Diisocyante (TDI), Carbon Dioxide and total volatile organic compounds (VOC) to establish initial baseline levels in order to measure the effect of any remedial efforts.
